Menard in Menard County, Texas — The American South (West South Central)

Founding of the Santa Cruz de San Saba Mission

Photographed By Duane Hall, March 23, 2018

1. Founding of the Santa Cruz de San Saba Mission Marker

Inscription.

Religious, Cultural and Historical Marker to Remember the Founding of the Santa Cruz de San Saba Mission

This historic Catholic church, built in 1899, has been designated as a religious, cultural and historical monument to remember the 250th anniversary of the founding of the Santa Cruz de San Saba Mission, two miles east of Menard, in 1757 by the Franciscan missionaries and their companions.

Sadly, the mission was destroyed on March 16, 1758, and two of the three Franciscan missionaries of the mission were killed – Father Alonso Giraldo de Terreros, OFM, and Father Joseph de Santiesteban, OFM. They are truly called “Martyrs of the Faith.”

The civic, ecumenical, religious dedication of this monument was held on June 9, 2007 in a ceremony led by Bishop Michael D. Pfeifer, OMI of the Diocese of San Angelo.

Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Churches & Religion • Colonial Era.

Location. 30° 54.986′ N, 99° 47.134′ W. Marker is in Menard, Texas, in Menard County. Marker can be reached from the intersection of Beavans Street and Canal Street, on the right when traveling south. Marker is mounted on the northeast corner of church building. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: Menard TX 76859, United States of America. Touch for directions.

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At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. Sacred Heart Catholic Church (here, next to this marker); Welcome to Menard, Texas / The Old Sacred Heart Catholic Church (a few steps from this marker); The Lafora Map / An Apache Encampment (within shouting distance of this marker); Bank of Menard (about 300 feet away, measured in a direct line); "The Ditch" (about 300 feet away); Fort McKavett C.S.A. / Texas Civil War Frontier Defense (about 600 feet away); Menard County Memorial of Those Who Died (about 600 feet away); Great Western Trail (about 600 feet away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Menard.

Marker at Northeast Corner of Church Building image. Click for full size.

Photographed By Duane Hall, March 23, 2018

2. Marker at Northeast Corner of Church Building

The Old Sacred Heart Catholic Church image. Click for full size.

Photographed By Duane Hall, March 23, 2018

3. The Old Sacred Heart Catholic Church

Credits. This page was last revised on March 31, 2018. It was originally submitted on March 31, 2018, by Duane Hall of Abilene, Texas. This page has been viewed 399 times since then and 28 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3. submitted on March 31, 2018, by Duane Hall of Abilene, Texas.